India Declares National Space Day to Celebrate Chandrayaan-3 Success

August 23rd has been declared National Space Day by the Indian government to honor the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking India as the fourth nation to land on the Moon. Celebrations aim to inspire youth and demonstrate the role of space technologies in various sectors, including fisheries.

The Indian government has declared August 23rd as 'National Space Day' to commemorate the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. This historic achievement, which includes the safe landing of the Vikram Lander and deployment of the Pragyaan rover near the Moon's South Pole, positions India as the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to do so in this region.

Celebrations will take place through July and August 2024 with a focus on engaging and inspiring the younger generation in the field of space science and technology. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with other dignitaries, will grace a commemorative event organized by the Department of Fisheries at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Department of Fisheries is hosting seminars and demonstrations in 18 locations across coastal states and UTs to showcase the application of space technologies in the fisheries sector. Space technologies like satellite remote sensing and data analytics have brought transformative changes, enhancing marine fisheries management and development.

Participants will include stakeholders such as INCOIS, New Space India Ltd., fishermen, fisheries cooperatives, and research institutions. India's extensive coastline and abundant water resources underpin a thriving fisheries sector crucial to the nation's economy, especially in rural areas.

The Department of Fisheries supports these technological advancements through programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Projects include a nationwide rollout of vessel communication systems, aiming to install 100,000 transponders on marine fishing vessels to enhance monitoring, control, and surveillance.

(With inputs from agencies.)